Pimp My Cube

By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com

Think it's entertaining to watch MTV's "Pimp My Ride" turn a
beater car into a showpiece? Imagine seeing a 10 x 10-foot
cubicle transformed into a vehicle for productivity and
advancement! Better yet, try it out for yourself. Here are nine
easy and affordable ways to make over your cube and improve
your image and outlook at work:

Think it's entertaining to watch MTV's "Pimp
My Ride" turn a beater car into a showpiece? Imagine seeing a
10 x 10-foot cubicle transformed into a vehicle for
productivity and advancement! Better yet, try it out for
yourself. Here are nine easy and affordable ways to make over
your cube and improve your image and outlook at work:

1. Place Yourself in a Position of Power
According to feng shui expert Karen Rauch, author of "Move
Your Stuff, Change Your Life," the most important thing you can
do is place yourself in an empowered position. If you cannot
see the entrance of your cubicle while working at your desk,
place a mirror somewhere in front of you so that you can see
the reflection of the opening.

Put any supplies or files you don't use daily inside your desk
or credenza to reduce visual distraction. If you are hanging on
to old invoices or other records, see if you can get them out
of your workspace, into a central filing or storage area.

The key is to look busy, capable and in control. The only
thing worse than too messy an office is too clean a desktop --
which may indicate you don't have enough to do, or worse yet,
aren't needed.

3. Add Plants
Plants brighten up any office. Not only do they project energy
and life, they also soak up indoor air pollutants. A Washington
State University study even showed that plants help reduce
stress, increase productivity and improve attentiveness.

Design experts suggest using an odd number of plants. And of
course, before choosing a plant, consider the amount of
available light in your workspace. According to the experts at
Leichardt Garden Center, the best plants for cubicles with no
direct sunlight are: Rhoeo or Moses in a Cradle, Pothos, Corn
Plant, Pepperomia, Boston Fern and the Peace Lilly.

4. Brighten Up
Good lighting alleviates eyestrain, increases energy and
brightens your mood. If you are working under fluorescent
lighting, see if you can replace the tubes with healthier full
spectrum ones (also called "grow lights") you can buy at the
hardware store. And because working solely with overhead light
is uncomfortable for the eyes, add a desk or table lamp.

An added bonus: Leaving your extra lighting on will send the
signal to your boss that you're hard at work -- even if you're
not at your desk. From brightly colored contemporary styles to
classic brass or silver tones, you can find an appropriate and
affordable lamp to fit any cube configuration.

5. Bring the Outside In
Most cubes don't have windows, but don't let that stop you
from gazing at your favorite scenery. Many art print and home
decorating sources offer "window scapes" that use trompe l'oeil
techniques to create realistic outdoor views.

6. Avoid Kitsch
Leave the stuffed animals and crafts for your bedroom. Always
keep in mind that you are at work. A few bold accessories, like
a decorative vase, paperweight or framed print can express your
personal style. Even though it's your cubicle, it is still a
workspace and place of employment, so you want to project
professionalism and good taste.

7. Shun the Offensive
Along the same lines, be careful that the any posters, signs
or cartoons you display and even the screensaver you choose are
consistent with the values of your company, and will not be
seen as sexist or distasteful or cause others discomfort. For
instance, if you're striving for a tropical theme, look for
tropical fish and waterfront scenes, not swimsuit-clad
bodybuilders or bathing beauties.

8. Picture This
One of the best ways to add a personal touch or conversation
starter to your area is with framed pictures of your family,
friends or pets. But before you bring in your photos, consider
how they reflect on your professional image. Avoid shots that
show you and your buddies drinking or any intimate photos. The
best photos are candid ones that show joy and spontaneity. Good
choices include photos of you and your loved ones at a favorite
vacation spot or engaged in a sport. Anything showing water,
nature or your pets can bring energy into your workspace, while
also giving you an emotional boost.

9. Add Soothing Accessories
Placing a small bowl of potpourri or aromatherapy petals or
sachets can transform your emotions or invigorate your senses.
If your co-workers have sensitive noses, there's even
aromatherapy for your desktop -- downloadable wallpaper with
scenes of lavender and sunflowers (unscented, of course)!
Desk-sized feng shui fountains can keep your stress levels down
and help harmonize your work world.

Following these tips will make you more comfortable on the job
and may even land you that corner office with a view.

Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for
CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search
strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace
issues. Other writers contributed to this article.